Have you voted yet?

Friday, December 11th is the deadline for the first round of voting. If you haven't done it yet, please vote for Imprints today!

Click Here to Vote

Vote for Imprints!

Facebook is teaming up with Chase to donate $5 million dollars to various charities through a program called Chase Community Giving.

The first voting period runs from November 15th through December 11th. On December 15th, the top 100 charities will each receive $25,000. The second round of voting will take place from January 15th through 19th. The winner of that voting period will receive $1 million and 5 runner-ups will receive $100,000 on February 1st.

Please vote for Imprints today!

You can help Imprints on Cyber Monday!

I hope you have survived Black Friday - now it's time for Cyber Monday! Several online stores and services have adopted the Monday following Black Friday as a day for them to offer special savings. As you begin your journey to savings, please remember that by beginning your online shopping extravaganza at www.GoodShop.com, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to Imprints.

Here's how it works:
1) Go to www.GoodShop.com and select Imprints as your charity of choice.
2) Click on the store of your choice.
3) Click "Shop Now!"
4) A message will come up that says "Your purchases will automatically generate a donation and will be displayed on GoodShop after confirmation by the merchant (this could take several weeks)." (Basically, this means that after your credit card has been charged and your purchase has been shipped, the donation will be made to Imprints).
5) After that message, you will be automatically redirected to the store you chose.
6) You will not see anything else about Imprints as your make your purchase. In a few weeks you can check back on GoodShop and see the impact your purchase has made.

GoodShop has about 1,000 participating stores including: Amazon, eBay, Target, Apple, Toys R Us, and Old Navy. The site also has thousands of money-saving coupons! Please remember to use this site on Cyber Monday and any other day you shop online. If you're just researching things online, use the Yahoo! powered search engine at www.GoodSearch.com, and each search will accumulate about a penny will go to Imprints.

Thank you for your support!

What are your children thankful for?

My favorite Thanksgiving activity is going around the room and talking about what each person is thankful for. The younger kids usually enjoy it as well but have a harder time coming up with things to say so I came up with a more kid-friendly activity.

First, we read a book about thankfulness such as: Thanks for Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks, or Thank You, World. While we are reading, we discuss if they also like or are thankful for the situations illustrated in the story.

Next, we each create a turkey out of construction paper and write, draw, or paste a picture on his feathers that show what we are each thankful for. You can do as many or as few feathers as you like. This project is very easy and a lot of fun.

When it's all finished, have the kids share their turkeys with the adults. It usually inspires a wonderful conversation that truly captures the spirit of Thanksgiving.

How to make a Grateful Gobbler:

You will need:
-approximately 3 different pieces of construction paper (depending on how colorful you want your turkey)
-crayons or markers
-glue (liquid or stick)
-magazines to cut out pictures (optional)
-photographs to cut (optional)


Directions:
-Cut out 1 pear shape approximately 5 inches in height for the turkey body
-Cut out 5 feathers approximately 5 inches long
-Glue the feathers to the back of the pear shape
-Glue the turkey onto a full sheet of construction paper
-After everything is glued down, make a face on the turkey
-Help your child draw or write about what they are thankful for.
-An optional idea would be to cut out photos or pictures from magazines
to show what they are thankful.

What your child is learning:
-Fine Motor Skills - strengthening of the small muscles in their hand
-Creative Expression
-Colors
-How to follow directions
-Family / Holiday Tradition
-Thankfulness

Here is a sample of what your child's turkey may look like:

What's on our bookshelf....

Thanks for Thanksgiving - Written by Julie Markes and Illustrated by Doris Barrette



Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks - Written by Margaret Sutherland and Illustrated by Sonja Lamut

As Thanksgiving is upon us, I would like to suggest 2 books to read over the holiday weekend with your children. The first is called Thanks for Thanksgiving. It is a lovely book with one sentence per page and easy rhymes that the kids will love to try and guess. The brightly colored pictures fill the pages and are a lot of fun to look at. Each page starts with "Thank you for" and then names something that kids would be thankful for. At the end of the book is a place for the child or entire family to write about what they are thankful for.

The second book is called Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks. This book also has about one sentence per page but does not contain any rhyming. The sentences state what they are thankful for and sometimes adds why they are thankful for that item. These sweet illustrations show culturally diverse children enjoying the things they are thankful for.

Both of these books are good choices when talking to your child about thankfulness. Please let us know which book you liked and why - we'd love to hear from you!

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

What's on our bookshelf....

Thank You, World written by Alice B. McGinty and illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin


This quick but soothing read is wonderful for beginning to talk to your child about thankfulness. Here is a description from the book jacket:

"The joys of childhood are the same the whole world over. In this compelling book of celebratory rhyme and glowing pictures, eight very different kids, from eight different countries, all go about their day and experience the same moments of happiness: greeting the sun in the morning, swinging on a swing, flying a kite, being tucked in by Mommy at bedtime. Uplifting and visually rich, this book reminds us that the world isn't as large as it seems, and that life's greatest pleasures are the simple ones."

The amazing crayon-drawn pictures are sure to transport you to the different countries and experience their days along with them. Enjoy!

Parent Resource Fair - November 10th

The Parent Resource Fair will be here before you know it, so make sure it's marked on your calendar. Here is the information again in case you missed it.

Please join us at Imprints on Tuesday, November 10th from 6 to 7:30pm to learn about community resources for you and your family.

Representatives of the following agencies will be on hand to give out information and helpful advice:

· Family Services/Ways to Work Program

· Work/Family Resource Center

· Goodwill Industries

· Consumer Credit Counseling

· The Experiment in Self Reliance, Inc.

· Crisis Control Ministries

Refreshments and child care are provided. Please contact Trina Stephens at (336) 722-6296 x211 or tstephens@imprintsforfamilies.org to RSVP.

Imprints is located at the Augsburg Community Center, 502 N. Broad St., Winston Salem, NC (corner of Broad St. and 6th Street.) Parking is located in the parking lot off of Pilot View St.

"Amazing feats of Aging"

SciWorks is having a FREE Community Day on Saturday, November 7th from 11am to 5pm. Their current exhibit is "Amazing feats of Aging." Learn why and how animals and humans, age.

Click here to learn more about it.

What's on our bookshelf....

How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? Written by Jane Yolen and Illustrated by Mark Teague

Since so many children are sick this time of year, I thought that a book that shows the adorable dinosaurs from the "How Do Dinosaurs" series would be a good choice. How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? is an easy-to-read book with funny rhymes and hilarious pictures. The dinosaurs are shown in the common scenarios of sickness - going to the doctor, having to take medicine, taking their temperature, and more. The beginning of the book shows the dinosaurs spitting out their medicine and throwing their tissues on the floor but by the end, they are all making better choices because it will help them get well soon.

Somewhere in each picture is the name of the dinosaur. Kids love the seeking out the name and trying to pronounce it. It is also fun to guess the emotion of each human and dinosaur by looking at the wonderfully illustrated pages. This book can be as simple or complex as you want to make which makes it fun for all ages whether they are sick or not.

What's on our bookshelf....

The Runaway Pumpkin - Written by Kevin Lewis and Illustrated by S. D. Schindler

The Runaway Pumpkin is a cute story about a very large pumpkin that is found by three costumed children. They decide to roll it down the hill which causes it to crash in to various parts of a farm on the way down. As it rushes past the kid's family members, they have memories of yummy foods that can be made from a pumpkin. Eventually the pumpkin comes to a stop and gets squished through the front door. At the end of the story, a guest sits down at the table full of food made with pumpkin. Who could it be?

This story is full of funny illustrations and tongue-twisting rhymes. It's a great book to help explain a pumpkin versus a jack-o-lantern and what kind of foods are made from a pumpkin. Beware - it's going to make you hungry!

What's on our bookshelf....

NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman

It was suggested that we also include parenting books in our weekly book suggestions so here's our debut. This book was recommended by a few parent educators who really enjoyed it. Here is a description from the publisher's website:

"In a world of modern, involved, caring parents, why are so many kids aggressive and cruel? Where is intelligence hidden in the brain, and why does that matter? Why do cross-racial friendships decrease in schools that are more integrated? If 98% of kids think lying is morally wrong, then why do 98% of kids lie? What’s the single most important thing that helps infants learn language?

NurtureShock is a groundbreaking collaboration between award-winning science journalists Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. They argue that when it comes to children, we’ve mistaken good intentions for good ideas. With impeccable storytelling and razorsharp analysis, Bronson and Merryman demonstrate that many of modern society’s strategies for nurturing children are in fact backfiring—because key twists in the science have been overlooked.

Nothing like a parenting manual, the authors’ work is an insightful exploration of themes and issues that transcend children’s (and adults’) lives: intelligence, racism, civility and aggression, honesty and deception, morality and kindness, peer pressure, risk-taking, and the growth of family relationships. NurtureShock is a fun, fascinating, and challenging book—unlike anything you’ve ever seen before."

Visit NurtureShock's website for more information and be sure to come back here and tell us what you thought of it!

Parent Resource Fair

Imprints is having a Parent Resource Fair on Tuesday, November 10th from 6 to 7:30pm.

Come to the fair to gain knowledge and tips about community resources for you and your child. Representatives of the following agencies will be on hand to give out information and helpful advice:

- Family Services/Ways to Work Program
- Work/Family Resource Center
- Goodwill Industries
- Consumer Credit Counseling
- The Experiment in Self Reliance, Inc.
- Crisis Control Ministries

The event will be held at Imprints which is located in the Augsburg Community Center - 502 N Broad St, Winston-Salem, NC. Imprints is on the corner of Broad St. and 6th St. Please park in the parking lot off of Pilot View St.

Please RSVP to your Parent Educator or to Trina Stephens at 722-6296 x211 or tstephens@imprintsforfamilies.org

Child care and refreshments will be provided.

This event is sponsored by Smart Start of Forsyth County and Kohl's

Clifford's Dog Fair at the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem

Attention dog lovers!!!

The Children's Museum of Winston-Salem is having Clifford's Dog Fair on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This fair will feature:

* 11:00 - Dog/Owner Look-a-Like contest
* 11:30 - Best Costume (will be based on creativity and originality)
* 11:15 - Dog Tricks Presentation (owners can attempt two tricks with their dog)
* 11:45 - Dynamic Duo (i.e. Batman and Robin, Doctor and Nurse)
* 12:00 - Owner/Dog yogurt lick-off
* Forsyth Humane Society’s Rover with adoptable dogs
* Fun and furry storytimes
* Dog Caricaturist (bring a bag of dog or cat food for the Humane Society and receive $5 off coupon for caricature)
* author Leigh Somerville McMillan will be book signing “It all started with a Dog”
* plus dog sitters, groomers, services, artists,
arts and crafts, and more!

Free with paid admission or Museum membership.

Imprints in the Community

Imprints is presenting a block exhibit at the Stratford Village Fall Fest on October 24th from 11am to 1pm. Stratford Village is located at 146 S. Stratford Road. Please see below for more information about the festival:

Stratford Village invites you to enjoy the crisp fall weather in our outdoor courtyard during our 2009 Fall Fest Celebration! As a proud supporter of our local economy, we'll be offering activities and goods that benefit our Triad friends and neighbors.

- Sidewalk sale and special offers throughout the day
- Live radio remote with 107.5 KZL from 11am to 1pm
- Food drive for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina
- Children's book reading and signing of The Wonderful World of Sparkle Girl and Doobins by author Kim Underwood and illustrator Garnet Goldman
- Local open-air market
- Live music
- Imprints Block Party, a tactile play-and-learn exhibit with blocks of all sizes, for children aged 8 months to 8 years and their parents
- Plus much more!

What's on our bookshelf....

A Tree Is Nice - Written by Janice May Udry and Illustrated by Marc Simont

This Caldecott award winning book takes you and your child through the many benefits of trees. You will read about the changes in season, playing in leaf piles, climbing trees to pick apples, and how trees provide shade along with many other pleasures a tree provides.

I love reading this book to kids this time of year because it is a great way to talk about the leaves turning color and falling off and the how the weather will soon change. This short book would be good practice for the emerging reader because of it's simple sentences and illustrations that perfectly capture what the words say. A Tree Is Nice also explains, in basic terms, how to plant a tree and how fulfilling it can be to watch it grow over time. It may even inspire your family to plant your own tree.

Temper Tantrum Tool Box

Imprints is holding a parent group on Tuesday, October 13th from 6 to 7:30pm. You will learn some great tools and tips about ways to prevent and manage your child's temper tantrums.

The group will be held at the Imprints main office, located in the Augsburg Community Center. The address is 502 N. Broad St. in Winston-Salem (corner of N. Broad St. and 6th St.). The parking lot is off of Pilot View St.

Child care and refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP by October 9th so we can ensure there are enough materials for everyone. To RSVP, contact your parent educator or Trina Stephens at 722-6296 x211 or tstephens@imprintsforfamilies.org

This event is sponsored by Smart Start of Forsyth County and Kohl's

What's on our bookshelf....

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything - Written by Linda Williams and Illustrated by Megan Lloyd

As the little old lady walked home through a dark and scary forest, one-by-one she came upon animated shoes, pants, a shirt, gloves, a hat and a pumpkin head. Each item has it's own specific noise that is fun to mimic. The little old lady claims she is not scared of these items that are following her home. Instead, she gathers them up and puts them to an interesting use. Can you guess what that is?

This story has a lot of funny illustrations and solid repetition. It's great for for acting out and for teaching your child to predict what comes next. This not-so-scary book is a fun Fall read.

What's on our bookshelf....

The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin - Written by Joe Troiano and Illustrated by Susan Banta

Spookley the Square Pumpkin is the only square pumpkin in the patch. The other "normal" pumpkins tease him for not having curves. One day a storm is brewing and the wind starts blowing. The curvy pumpkins start to roll and tumble down the hill towards a hole in the fence. Spookley uses his special shape to save the day. At the end of the story, the farmer is so pleased with Spookley that he plants more pumpkins that grow in all different shapes, sizes and colors.

First and foremost, this story teaches the ultra important message that each person is special in their own way. Talk with your kids about how it must feel to be a square pumpkin and what unique yet special attributes that they have. You may also find it an appropriate to time to introduce the word diversity.

This book also gives you an opportunity to talk about three dimensional shapes, colors, and patterns. The cute illustrations and great rhyming make this story an enjoyable read with a great underlying message.

Get out those rain boots!

We've been cooped up in the house way too long. The rain seems to be sticking around for awhile so let's take advantage of it. Grab those rain boots and a few waterproof toys and head outside. Here are a few ideas of what to do:

Water
- Splash around with your hands. Is the water warm or cold?
- Stomp in those puddles and compare the splashes made by big stomps vs little stomps.
- If you have a larger puddle, see if some of her toys float.
- Absorb water with sponges. Show him how the water goes into the sponge and what happens when you squeeze the sponge.
- Measure the water with measuring cups. See how many cups it takes to fill up a bucket. When one bucket has 1 cup of water in it, is it heavier than the bucket that has 2 cups in it?

Worms
- Count how many worms you see.
- Talk about how fast or slow they move. What other animals move like a worm does?
- Pick them up, how do they feel?
- Compare sizes of different worms. Do all worms look alike?
- Talk about why you see worms after in rains.
- What do worms eat? Which animals eat worms?

Mud
- Find some mud and get dirty!
- Let your child feel the mud with his hands and talk about how much heavier it is than regular dirt.
- Build a mud castle.
- Dig in the mud to find bugs.
- Play with cars and build a race track in the mud.

As I finish this post, the sun is peeking out a little bit so hurry before the puddles dry up! Hey, is that a rainbow I see?

What are your family's rainy day activities?

Child Seat Safety Inspection - TODAY

According to the Kernersville website:

On 09-22-2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the Kernersville Police Department will be performing a Child Safety Seat Inspection at the Target store located at 1090 South Main Street in Kernersville. The event is sponsored by Target stores. The event is open to the entire public. The Officers present will install child seats and then teach the parents the proper way to install the child seats themselves. Child seats will be available for families with financial needs.

Contact J.W. MABE - (336) 996-2294

What's on our bookshelf....

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett

This is a great book for any age - young or old. It's been my favorite for as long as I can remember and I'm so excited because it's just been released as a movie.

The book features a town called Chewandswallow where food drops from the sky three times a day instead of snow or rain. Life in Chewandswallow is really fun and convenient (no more grocery shopping!) but as you can imagine, it can get pretty messy. When the storms roll in, the food gets bigger, the portions are super-sized and people start to fear for their lives.

The illustrations alone will make you fall in love with this book. There are so many silly and outrageous drawings to look at, it's hard to get through the book without seeing something that you've never noticed before.

If you love the book, check your local listings to see the animated movie (available in 3-D at some locations).

What's happening this weekend....

UPDATE: The Honeybee Festival is cancelled due to weather.

Friday September 18th

Discount Night at the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem
The Children's Museum of Winston-Salem is hosting Discount Friday Night this Friday, September 18th. From 4 to 8pm non-members can gain admission for only $3 per person! There will be dog-themed crafts and games in anticipation of the Clifford the Big Red Dog exhibit that will open on September 26th. Check out their website for future discount nights.

Rock the Block
Rock the Block is coming to Fourth Street on Friday, September 18th from 6pm to midnight. There's a little something for everyone including but not limited to: great food, wine tasting, crafts, street performers, live music and a children's area. Visit their website for more details.

Saturday September 19th

Honeybee Festival
The Honeybee Festival will be held Saturday, September 19th at 4th of July Park in Kernersville from 10am - 6pm. The festival will have crafts, food, a children's area and free concerts. Admission is free and parking is available at Kernersville Elementary School.

Apple Fest 2009
Apple Fest will be held at Historic Bethabara Park on Saturday, September 19th from 10:30am - 4:30pm. There will be unique crafts, traditional music and food. Local orchards, handicraft demonstrations, and colonial re-enactors highlight this festival, as do horse-drawn wagon rides and colonial games. Admission is free.

What's on our bookshelf....

When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry... by Molly Bang

Children show emotions as young as birth but are not aware of what they are communicating. We need to help children understand their feelings and how to deal with them. Talking about their emotion during the time they are experiencing it, is very beneficial because it helps them recognize and name their feelings when they are feeling them. For example, if they are sad, explain to them that you see their face is getting red, their smile is turned upside down and tears are coming down their cheeks. Then talk them through what happened and if applicable, what other choices they had to avoid this feeling or even that it's okay to have that feeling. Give them options for how to deal with their emotion. The options could be: talking to the person who hurt their feelings, screaming into a pillow, or sitting quietly by themselves. Once they understand how they got to that point and how to process that emotion, they will be able to communicate more effectively and feel less frustration.

Sometimes, reading a story that spotlights a particular emotion can help as well. In this story, a little girl named Sophie gets very angry after her sister takes a toy away from her. We follow Sophie as she gets angry and eventually calms down. The story and illustrations make it very easy to recognize the signs of her feelings from her facial expressions, the words, and the colors on the page. Follow Sophie on her journey and ask your child if they ever feel that way. Together, brainstorm ways that Sophie could have handled the situation differently from the time she became angry to how she calmed down. This book is a wonderful conversation starter.

Elmo wants to help your kids be healthy!

Most kids that I know, hang on every word that Elmo says. Show your child the video above and Elmo will teach them how to wash their hands, sneeze into their elbow and more. You can find additional Elmo videos and more information about the flu at at www.flu.gov.

Organizing Your Child's Artwork

I love displaying kid's artwork but am not a big fan of a cluttered fridge. My favorite way to display it is to hang a clothesline or wire along a wall and use clothespins or clips to hang the artwork. This way makes it super easy to switch out the artwork and you will not have to worry about the size of it.

If you like a more decorative look, there are frames specifically for displaying kid's artwork. Since the idea is to switch out the artwork often, the frame pops opens from the front with the use of magnets so you don't have to break your fingernails prying open those tiny metal tabs on regular frames. These frames also include a removable mat so you have a little leniency in the size of the art as well as some storage space to keep previous artwork in there. I've seen two at Target both for $24.99.



Artwork Display and Storage Frame from Target

Most people that I know don't have the space to keep all of their children's artwork but feel that they are throwing away a piece of precious history. I completely understand, so while you're agonizing over the decision about whether to throw it away or rent out a storage facility, get out your camera and take a picture of it. This is such a simple way to save space but savor the memory. The pictures will be easy to store but you can still display them if you like.

Displaying your child's artwork lets them know that you are proud of them and appreciate their artwork. Plus it's a fun conversation piece when guests come to visit. Please share your ideas on how you display artwork, better yet - take a picture and show us.

What's on our bookshelf....

Teeth Are Not For Biting written by Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen

Teeth Are Not For Biting talks about the reasons that may make a child bite and as well as positive alternatives for biting behavior. This story uses simple words and vibrant pictures to get this straight-forward point across.

Teeth Are Not For Biting is one of several board books from the Best Behavior Series. Check out: Tails Are Not For Pulling, Feet Are Not For Kicking, Hands Are Not For Hitting, Words Are Not For Hurting, Diapers Are Not Forever and Germs Are Not For Sharing.

How was your day?

How was your day? is a common question that is usually asked on the way home from school or during dinnertime. Some people ask it to be polite but some people really want to know.

I'm sure that many parents have been asking their children about their days this week since it's the first week of school. Sometimes you get an answer such as "I don't know", "Ok, I guess", "We played outside", or "We had pizza for lunch". These are probably not the answers you were looking for but don't give up. Your child just came home from an exhausting day of school and they need a little time to relax. Once you've noticed that they are ready (which may not be until bedtime) ask them to tell you about their day. If they can't come up with anything ask them specific yet open-ended questions to help jog their memory such as "What toy did you play with at center time?", "Tell me what you painted a picture of today", or "What was your teacher's book about?".

To help get ideas for your questions or to help start off your conversation, check out this great children's book called Tell Me What We Did Today. It's written by Rick Kupchella and illustrated by Warren Hanson.



This special time between you and your kids is important because it lets them know that you care about what happened to them and that you value their education. This conversation will help you to be more in tune with what is going on in their life, good or bad. In time, they may start asking you about your day. Set aside a certain time and make this special conversation a part of your everyday life, you won't regret it!

What's on our bookshelf....

A New House for Mouse by Petr Horacek

I found this book at the library today and I love it! Every page is filled with bold colors and a sweet little mouse looking for a home for her and her apple. The big juicy apple won't fit in her tiny mouse hole so she drags it along to larger holes asking the owners if she and her apple can move in. Lugging around that apple is hard work and makes a little mouse very hungry. Pick up this story and see if you and your child can predict where the mouse and her apple will end up.

This story provides several learning opportunities for your child. During the story you will learn about different animals and what they keep in their homes, as well as the size of their homes. You can compare sizes of the holes and talk about what happens to the apple as Little Mouse takes a bite. Prediction is an important part of reading comprehension. As you turn each page, ask your child what they think that animal will say to the mouse's questions and what they think will happen next. This prompts your child to start thinking about and understanding that for every action there is a reaction. After reading this book let us know what other things that your child learned from this book, we would love to hear from you!

How healthy are your child's teeth?

You can never start too early when it comes to taking care of your baby's teeth - even when she doesn't have any. Beginning at birth, become familiar with your baby's mouth so that you will notice any discoloration or other change that may signify that something is infected. A good time to do this is when you clean your baby's mouth. Every day, take a soft, clean, damp cloth and wipe out your baby's mouth, especially after a feeding.

Once the teeth come in, brush them with a soft toothbrush and water. Around 6 months of age, introduce a regular cup to your baby. When a baby drinks from a bottle or "sippy" cup, the liquid pools around the teeth and starts dissolving their enamel which leads to decay and infection. This is especially important to remember at bedtime as the milk or juice will be in your baby's mouth for an even longer period of time. A good rule of thumb is to never put a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. If you feel that your baby must have a bedtime bottle, use clean, cool water.

By age two, start using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and have your child rinse and spit. Spitting can be a little difficult for your child to master, try using plain water for practice.

Even after your child can brush his teeth on his own, continue to monitor his mouth, teeth, and brushing habits to check for any issues. Cavities and other mouth issues often start showing up after the child has been left alone to care for their teeth since they may rush and not be as thorough.

Your baby's pediatrician will also be checking your baby's mouth for signs of infection. Make your baby's first dental appointment when they are around a year old or earlier if your pediatrician recommends it. Remember that even though baby teeth fall out, it's important to take care of them to ensure that the adult teeth will come in healthy.

What's on our bookshelf....

Where is Baby's Belly Button? Written and Illustrated by Karen Katz

Where is Baby's Belly Button? is an adorable lift-the-flap book perfect for any baby learning their body parts. The colorful illustrations and easy to lift flaps are great for enhancing fine motor skills which are important for finger dexterity to grasp objects. I also love this book because it's an easy way to teach your baby spatial concepts such as under, over, etc. It's sure to be a huge hit!

Preparing your child for a new situation

Children can often be frightened by new places or experiences such as a first haircut or dentist appointment. This is understandable as they are used to a world of familiar things and all of a sudden they are sitting in this big chair with a masked person coming at them with loud buzzing tools. Who wouldn't be scared? When kids are prepared for a unfamiliar situation they will most likely do better because they will know what to expect.

Here are some tips to use when preparing your child for a new situation:

1 - Read a children's book - Choose a book that includes the upcoming event. Talk about the book and how the characters handled the situation. Ask your child to imagine other possible scenarios.

2 - Incorporate the event during playtime with your child - For example, if your child has an upcoming dentist appointment, set up a makeshift dentist office with a desk, waiting area and some items to use as tools. Act out what will happen in the reception area and then lead the child to the "dentist chair."

3 - Get creative - In keeping with the dentist situation, use a cloth or bandanna that will mimic how the dentist will look in his mask. If you have an electric shaver or small appliance available that will make a noise similar to that of a drill, incorporate that during play so your child will not be as surprised by the noise.

4 - Take a tour - If possible, bring your child ahead of time to visit the location of the new experience.

5 - Children's museums or events - Keep an eye out for exhibits that may assist you in preparing your child. For example, Sciworks has an area called "HealthWorks" which has several doctor and dentist tools. Check out the Greensboro Children's Museum and the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem as they may also have helpful exhibits.

We hope that these tips help you in preparing your child for a new situation. Please let us know what works for your family as it may help others.

Winston Lake Family Day

Come Join the Fun!

Bring the entire family out to Winston Lake Family Day! The event will be held on Sunday, August 16, 4-8 p.m., at Winston Lake Park (event will be by the lake).

You will Enjoy:

* Live Music: Gospel, R&B, Jazz & more!
* Family Comedian
* Guest host from 102 Jamz
* Free school supplies (while they last)
* Free T-shirts (while they last)
* Free boat rides on Winston Lake
* FREE FOOD with a canned food donation. Bring at least 1 can of food for the Second Harvest Food Bank and get a FREE MEAL courtesy of the Winston Lake Senior Golf Association.

For your comfort, please bring a lawn chair. If you have any further questions please call 734-1221.

What's on our bookshelf....

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum is the name of the mouse in this adorable book. She had always thought that her name was perfect until she got to school and realized how unique it was. Several children made fun of her and reduced her to tears every day. Chrysanthemum felt better after talking to her parents but was still hurt by her classmate's ridicule. Eventually Chrysanthemum and her classmates learn that a special person in their lives thinks that Chrysanthemum's name is so beautiful that she wants to give her baby the name. This feel-good story is sure to touch those with unique and unfamiliar names and those who deal with bullies.

Kickoff to Kindergarten Event

The Children's Museum of Winston Salem is having a Kickoff to Kindergarten event on Saturday, August 15 from 11 am to 2 pm. Children will have the opportunity to climb aboard an actual school bus to learn about bus safety, go through a "pretend" lunch line (featuring healthy snacks), make crafts, hear stories, learn how to follow directions, explore the Museum, and much more. This event is free with paid admission or Museum membership.

What's on our bookshelf....

The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog by Ana Martin Larranaga

This humorous book follows a frog as he visits other animals and asks "Who are you and what do you eat?" It's a great book to experiment with silly animal voices and is informational as you learn about what the animals eat. The story gets especially silly when the big wide-mouthed frog meets a crocodile and finds out that he might be on the lunch menu.

The National Black Theatre Festival is here!

The National Black Theatre Festival is in Winston-Salem from August 3rd through August 8th. Visit their website for a schedule of events and more information.

Tummy Time

Tummy time is a specific time that your infant spends on his tummy. It is important because it helps to increase head and neck muscles, limit the "flat spots" on the baby's head and allows the baby's back to get stronger which helps them to roll, sit, and crawl.

Once the baby is used to tummy time, It is recommended that it should occur for approximately 3-5 minutes, five times a day. Keeping the time short but doing it often will allow your baby to experience several different positions and remain interested in his surroundings. Most babies enjoy looking at people's faces more than anything else so lay down next to him or lay down with your baby on your chest so he is able to see you. This may help your baby become more comfortable with tummy time. As they get older, prop up their favorite toys or picture books around them for something to look at.

ALWAYS supervise your baby's play time. Plan tummy time when the baby is alert and awake and NEVER leave the baby by herself while on tummy.

Read more information here on the importance of "Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play."

What's on our bookshelf....

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You see? by Bill Martin Jr. - Illustrated by Eric Carle

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? has wonderful repetition that allows children to follow the story easily and read it themselves in no time. The colorful illustrations of the animals provide a great learning opportunity. This book will help children learn their colors and names of animals. For an extended learning activity, discuss where each animal lives and what they eat. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is available in board book, paperback and hardcover.

What's on our bookshelf....

Just Us Women by Jeannette Caines - Illustrated by Pat Cummings

Travel along with Aunt Martha and her niece as they go on a special road trip to North Carolina with "No boys and no men, just us women." This detailed story will come alive before your eyes with the beautiful illustrations and descriptions. You feel as if you're standing next to them when they stop at roadside markets and fancy restaurants, in no hurry at all.

H1N1 is in the news again

The H1N1 virus, better known as Swine Flu is still among us. As reported in the Winston Salem Journal, health officials recently stated that "anyone hit with flu-like symptoms this summer has likely had a case of the H1N1, or swine flu." Symptoms of the H1N1 are a mild fever, aches and pains, a runny nose and a headache. However, if you experience more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or chest pain, you should get medical attention.

With school coming up it's inevitable that the flu will spread more rapidly as people will be in closer proximity to one another. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the following tips to limit transmission:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

* If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

* Put used tissues in the trash.

* Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Wash with soap and water, or with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Start practicing these tips with your children so they can be better prepared and protected when school begins.

The CDC also recommends that if you do get sick, "stay home from work or school, and limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them. Adults should not leave home until 7 days after symptoms begin; children should stay home 10 days after the onset of illness."

Read more about the H1N1 virus on the American Academy of Pediatrics website for further information including a list of frequently asked questions for parents and caregivers about the H1N1 virus.

Good Night, Sleep Tight

Here is a startling truth: We are less than one month away from school starting. Yikes! Have your kids been staying up later than they usually do? To make the start of the school year more peaceful, start practicing "school year bedtimes" now.

Preschoolers need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep at night but that is often shortened by "Can I stay up a little longer?" and "I need a drink of water." Children thrive on schedules and routines during most of their day, why not extend a routine to bedtime? An easy way to begin that process is to make a picture schedule. Sit down with your child and brainstorm what your bedtime routine includes. This is a good time to address common bedtime issues such as how many drinks of water they can have or how many times they can call you into the room.

Here are some examples of traditional components:

Bath
Put on pajamas
Brush teeth
Find teddy bear or other security object
Read a book
Listen to music
Sing a song

Next, take pictures of these actions with your camera or draw pictures of the components and paste them in the order that you do them on a strip of paper. I made my routine strip with pictures cut from magazines:



Close-ups:





Hang it at your child's level for easy reference. Children are more likely to follow these homemade picture schedules since they will take pride in having made them. It will also help your child become more independent as some of these components can be done on their own. Staying consistent with routines helps your child feel more comfortable and they are more likely to complete the task without complaints when they know what is expected of them. Don't limit your routine strips to bedtime, they can apply to anything!

Is your child's car seat secure?

A Child Safety Seat Checking Station will be held on Friday, July 31, at the Babies R Us at 975 Hanes Mall Blvd. in Winston-Salem, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Local Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to check your child seat installation and answer questions.

What's on our bookshelf....

The Big Big Sea by Martin Waddell - Illustrated by Jennifer Eachus

This is a heartwarming story of a mother and her daughter as they experience the sea at night in this beautifully illustrated book. This simply told is sure to inspire you to take a trip to the beach and make memories to cherish for a lifetime.

What's on our bookshelf....

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow

These adorable little monkeys are put to bed by their mama. When she leaves the room they start jumping on the bed and inevitably one of them falls of the bed and bumps their head. Although the doctor tells Mama that monkeys shouldn't jump on the bed, one by one they fall. Kids of all ages love the repetition of this silly book and take pride that after a few pages, they can read it on their own. You can follow the five little monkeys through several adventures in more Eileen Christelow books. They are available in board books, paperbacks, and read along books with CD's.

Friday 7/24 is the Deadline for Requesting New Bus Stops

July 24th is the deadline for requesting new bus stops. This will be the last day that students, parents and caregivers can request a new bus stop with the expectation of having service on the first day of school on Aug. 25.

This is the form to request a stop. Print and complete the form and return it to your child's school

You can read more information on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System website and on the Winston-Salem Journal website.

Mark your calendars for Bubblebration!

This FREE event sounds like loads of fun. Don't forget to bring your own bubbles and wands. To make your own bubbles, mix 1 cup water with 2 tablespoons light Karo syrup OR 2 tablespoons glycerin* and 4 tablespoons dishsoap.

*Glycerin can be found in most drug stores

For best results leave the solution standing for at least a few hours before use.

What's on our bookshelf....

Clifford's Schoolhouse by Norman Bridwell

Join Clifford as he travels throughout the schoolhouse learning about colors, shapes, numbers, letters and more. Stop and peek under the flaps to find out what’s hiding under them. This is a great book to introduce to your child who is starting school as the pictures invite several conversations about school and what goes on there.

What's on our bookshelf....

The Cheerios Play Book by Lee Wade

This brightly colored interactive board book is perfect for babies and toddlers whose favorite snack is Cheerios. Each page asks your child to add dry Cheerios to different scenes. Your child will have fun placing his Cheerios in the recessed circles and then eating them up!

Preparing for School

Summer is almost over! Wow, time flies. You may have noticed that the school supply displays are now up in stores which means it’s time once again to begin preparation for the school year. The Tax Free Weekend is almost upon us (August 7-9) so get your lists ready. The Winston Salem Forsyth County School System has adopted standardized school supply lists for all grade levels that can be found on the school system’s website.

The best way for you to get your child ready for school is to get them excited about it and make sure they feel comfortable. Here are some tips:

• Talk about how fun school is and share stories about your experiences.
• Arrange a tour so your child can become familiar with where things are.
• Attend the school’s open house and have your child meet their teacher.
• Have a picnic lunch at the school’s playground.
• Frequently drive the route that your child will take to school.

There are several books specifically written for Kindergartners to help ease their fears. Here is a sample of books to look for at your local library or bookstore:

• Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
• The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
• Look Out Kindergartner, Here I come! By Nancy Carlson
• Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell
• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

When preparing your child for school is it very important to establish a daily routine with plenty of time for homework and sleep. Set aside a specific time of day and a quiet place for homework. Go over the homework with your child to convey the message that education is important for both of you. Preschoolers need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep including their afternoon nap. Lack of sleep does not allow a child’s body to properly rejuvenate itself and may trigger night terrors, so be sure your child goes to bed at a reasonable time.

Preparing for school is a lot of work but very important. Always remember that your attitude about education influences your child greatly so be excited but also be realistic and sincere.

Help Wanted!

You may have noticed the new GoodSearch/GoodShop logo that was added to our sidebar recently. This is a great new way to raise money for Imprints, here’s how:

Clicking on the logo directs you to a search engine, GoodSearch.com, which is powered by Yahoo! Select Imprints as your charity of choice and they will donate about a penny to Imprints for each search! Set your homepage to GoodSearch for easy access.

In addition, do all of your shopping through their online shopping mall, GoodShop.com, where you can shop at more than 900 top online retailers and a percentage of your purchases will go to Imprints. You pay the same price as you normally would, but a donation goes to Imprints!

This is an easy way to make a difference. Thank you for your support!

What's on our bookshelf....

Where's my puppy? by Linda Slifka - Illustrated by Margaret Middleton

This story is about a boy named Jack who really, really, really wants a puppy. Jack finally gets a puppy and brings it outside to play. As puppies tend to do, Scruffy the puppy gets into some mischief and escapes from the yard. Jack is devastated and soon the whole neighborhood is looking for Scruffy. The puppy is soon found safe and sound. Jack is very happy and has a serious conversation with his parents about staying safe.

This story was inspired by the real-life abduction of the author’s niece. Linda Slifka says this book is a way of “gently instructing young children to stay safe by not wandering from the watchful eye of their parents, even when playing close to home.”

What's on our bookshelf....

Look At You, Baby Face! by Madeline Carter - Illustrated by Keaf Holliday

This Golden Super Shape Book is a paperback baby book showing beautifully illustrated baby faces in different situations. Your baby will love looking at these animated faces. Have some fun and imitate the faces with your baby that you see in the book.

A new kind of swap meet

I recently heard about a great idea that I am so excited to share. Some friends of mine were talking at a play date about how their children have several toys that they don’t play with. They wanted to do something useful with them but felt that their child might notice. As they were brainstorming, one mom noticed that another child was playing with her son’s fire truck that he no longer pays attention to. The other child played with that fire truck almost the entire time, checking out all the flashing lights and the ladder. As she was contemplating why her son no longer likes the fire truck when this little boy thinks it’s so great, an idea struck her – a toy swap. Here’s how it works:

Take a few toys that your child has disregarded and exchange them with another child for an agreed upon period of time and then trade them back. Once the toy returns, he will look at it with renewed interest and play with it again. If he doesn’t, no harm done - just exchange it with another child.

This sounds like a great way to save money and get some use out of toys that are just collecting dust. Try it out and let us know what you think.

Hidden Treasure Box

When your toddler opens a present, are they more occupied by the toy or the box? Several parents will say that the box or wrapping paper holds their child’s attention longer. This shows that your child does not need expensive/fancy/store bought toys to learn. You may not know it but your recycling bin is actually a treasure chest of materials to make the perfect toys. Let’s explore a few:

• 2 liter bottles – Save up about 6 bottles and you’ve got yourself a set of bowling pins. Use different size balls and explore with your child which ones knock down the pins the best. If you have thick carpet and the “pins” are having a hard time staying up, put some dry beans in the bottle for some weight. Make a mini bowling set and use empty water bottles.

• Magazines – Cut out pictures and make a collage. You can make a collage of blue pictures or things that start with the first letter in your child’s name. The possibilities are endless.

• Newspapers – Give your child a pair of safety scissors and let the cutting begin. This is a great activity for building strength in their hands needed for writing and it also helps with hand eye coordination. There is no pressure for them to cut out a shape or to cut on a line and they get more comfortable working with scissors. Shredding the paper with their hands is really fun too. Give them a stack of paper and let them shred in the middle of the kitchen floor for easy clean up. They can make confetti for a party or use some tape and make pom-poms.

• Paper towel tubes – Color/paint the tube to make a baton or cut out shapes and glue them on to make different animals. For babies and toddlers, you can put bells or beans inside and cover the ends with masking tape to make a rattle.


Homemade toys are great but remember that they haven’t been tested for safety the way store bought toys are. Always supervise your child when they are playing. Here are some other safety tips:

• Plastic bags – make sure that the bag cannot fit over your child’s head and watch them closely to make sure that they don’t bite off small pieces of the bag because they could choke.

• Small objects – It’s best not to give your child an object smaller than 2” in diameter. An easy way to test this is to see if the object fits inside of an empty toilet paper tube. If it does, your child could choke on it. If you toy contains small objects such as the rattle mentioned above, secure the tube with super strength glue and watch her while playing with it.

• Sharp edges – Place durable tape around the sharp edges and make sure it is secure so your child cannot take it off.

Be creative. The possibilities are endless!

What's on our bookshelf....

Little Turtle's Big Adventure by David Harrison - Illustrated by J.P. Miller

This book chronicles a turtle’s journey as he tries to find a new home when his pond is destroyed to make way for a highway. Follow the turtle as he tests out different climates and environments. This book is a wonderful introduction when talking about the life of a turtle or environmental awareness. Here’s a challenge - see if you can find the turtle on every page!

Ooohhh Aaaahhh

Fireworks are an American tradition for the upcoming 4th of July holiday. I bet you’ve watched them every year since you were a kid, enjoying the bright colors and loud pops. I have always liked the loud noises and the rumble in makes in my stomach, especially during the grand finale.

Until recently, I had never thought of the impact that the fireworks could have on my hearing much less a child’s, with their tiny ears. After prolonged exposure to loud noises over 85 decibels (dB) such as fireworks, a child or adult could experience a ringing in the ears or even permanent hearing loss.

This type of hearing loss is called “noise-induced hearing loss.” Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells located in the inner ear. Hair cells are small sensory cells that convert the sounds we hear into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged our hair cells cannot grow back, causing permanent hearing loss.

Here is a chart to give you an idea of the decibel level of every day items:

• 60 dB – normal conversations or dishwashers
• 80 dB – alarm clock, electric shaver
• 90 dB – hair dryers, blenders and busy traffic
• 110 dB – concerts, car racing, and sporting events
• 115 dB – MP3 players at full volume
• 120 dB – thunder
• 130 dB – ambulances
• 140 dB – firecrackers, fireworks, and gun shots

Ways to protect your family’s hearing:

• Limit exposure
• Distance yourself from the source of the noise
• Turn down the volume
• Wear proper hearing protection such as noise reducing ear muffs or ear plugs when in noisy environments

Please remember that noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and is almost always preventable. So, as you plan for your 4th of July festivities, pack some ear plugs and get there early to find a seat…in the back.

What does a parent educator do?

As stated in a previous post, one way that parent educators reach families is through individual education. Individual education occurs mainly through personal visits which are most often held in the family’s home. At these visits parent educators talk with the family about the developmental stage that their child is in and what to expect next. They also talk about any issues or concerns the family is having and help them through it. A main event of the visit is the parent-child activity. This activity uses materials that can be easily found in the home and compliments the developmental stage that the child is in.

Recently Imprints collaborated with Frank Eaton and the Bully Documentary Company to film a parent educator on a home visit. Please view the video below to better understand the role of a parent educator.

What's on our bookshelf....

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant - Illustrated by Stephen Gammell

This is a heart warming story about a family who receives relatives from Virginia for the summer. You are sure to fall in love with this family as you follow the the story of their loving reunion. The illustrations are so wonderfully detailed that you could spend hours looking at them. The facial expressions alone will touch your heart. This book would be a wonderful read when preparing for or recalling a family reunion.

What's on our bookshelf...

Finklehopper Frog by Irene Livingston - Illustrated by Brian Lies

Finklehopper Frog noticed that all of the animals in his neighborhood had taken up jogging so he went out and bought a fancy suit so he could join them. He is soon made fun of for his funny outfit and the way he jogs. Thank goodness for Ruby Rabbit who hops by and teaches him the lesson that he is special just the way he is.

The story with a simple message of “just be yourself” is brought to life by a great rhythm and amazing illustrations. We love looking at all the animals and their jogging outfits. Who knew snakes wear headbands?

Check out the next Finklehopper Frog book called Finklehopper Frog Cheers. Finklehopper and his friend Ruby Rabbit appear again in a story about overcoming fears, standing up to bullies, and being a good sport.

Sun Safety

On Tuesday I wrote about water play and put a little blurb on the bottom about sunscreen. But sunscreen is a big deal and deserves more of a blurb so I’ve decided to expand a little. I’m a very fair-skinned person and have had numerous sunburns over the course of my life. I hated having sunscreen put on when I was a kid and often ended up with burns so bad I got blisters. In my adult life, I’ve gotten so much better and always start my day with a lotion containing SPF on my face. I’m also in love with sunscreen in a can. It’s so easy to apply and I don’t feel greasy afterwards. (One piece of advice – make sure to apply it when you’re not in a windy area because you end up wasting quite a bit.) Even though I've determined that I like sunscreen in a can, I'm still unsure of which one to pick.

Sunscreen is a little tricky to buy because there are so many choices. There are several brands and each one advertises something different. You can choose anywhere from SPF4 to SPF100+ which come in several different forms. I began to do some research and was sent this article by WebMD from a friend. It certainly gave me some things to think about when I choose my next sunscreen. I dug a little more and found an article called Summer Sun Care for Kids, also on WebMD. It has some really helpful tips but I know you’re really busy so I thought I would highlight some great points.

Adelaide Hebert, MD, from pediatric dermatology at The University of Texas Medical School in Houston stated that for younger kids “it’s easiest to get them to wear protective clothing.” I agree with that, going shopping for swimwear this year, we found that there are several colorful options for kids to choose from. WebMD states that sunscreen and cover-ups are just as important for older kids and teens plus the “tan” look is very popular. According to Hebert the safest way to get that look is to use spray or lotion self-tanners and some even provide some sun protection, just make sure to read the label closely.

The article also lists some Rules for Smart Summer Skin Care:

Rule #1 – Stay inside or in the shade between 10am and 4pm
Rule #2 – Everyone is at risk regardless of skin color or type
Rule #3 – Dress your kids in protective clothing
Rule #4 – Use sunscreen!

Purchasing sunscreen is a personal choice because only you know your family's needs. The important thing is to be knowledgeable about your choices and to read the label.

Water Wonders

The local weather people have forecasted beautiful weather this week. Warm and sunny weather makes me want to spend every minute outside. Visiting a local pool or lake is a wonderful idea but if you would rather stay in your own backyard, there are several ideas for educational water play.

Fill a kiddie pool or large plastic tote with water. Even if it isn’t big enough for the child to climb into, they can still have fun. Collect several waterproof materials from around the house such as: corks, non-electric egg beater, egg cartons, food coloring, funnels, measuring cups and spoons, paintbrushes, plastic dishes, empty squeeze bottles, strainer, sponges, and regular water toys.

Children can use these materials to experiment with water which will help facilitate math and science learning. They will learn about measurement when using the measuring cups and volume when trying to pour water from one container to another. Science is about asking questions and testing theories. Water play provides many opportunities for this. Children can experiment with the materials to find out if something floats and how to sink the object if it does. Encourage them to ‘paint’ outdoor items with paintbrushes or squirt bottles and see what areas dry faster than others. This is also a good time to discuss the properties of water especially the way water can change from a liquid to a solid into gas and back to liquid. Allowing kids to see this cycle during the discussion will help them to understand it.

Water play has several benefits other than learning math and science. Working with these materials will help to strengthen their hand muscles which is important when learning to write and with hand eye coordination. Experimenting with the water will increase problem solving skills and talking about their play will improve language skills.

Overall, water play is a fun-filled activity that provides several educational opportunities. Let us know your ideas for water play, we would love to hear from you!

Please practice safety during outdoor and water play. Never leave your child alone while he plays with water as drowning can occur in only a few inches and remember to apply sunscreen.

What's on our bookshelf.....

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn - Illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak

The Kissing Hand is a wonderful story about a raccoon who is a little apprehensive about starting school. Mom tells him a secret called the Kissing Hand which will help him get through the time spent away from her. This book is perfect for any child that will be temporarily separated from their parents for occasions such as school, a sleepover, or summer camp. It also helps the moms and dads who are a little apprehensive too.

What's on our bookshelf....

The Going to Bed Book - written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton

Sandra Boynton's books always make me smile. They are filled with simple yet adorable illustrations of animal adventures. This particular book has a silly story but has a very soothing tone. Perfect for reading at naptime or at night.

Happy reading!

The life of a bookworm....

When I was a little girl, my favorite activity was reading. I can remember getting books read to me all the time and then after I learned how to read, all I wanted to do was read to anyone who would listen. If no one in my family was available, I would recruit my dog and my stuffed animals to be my special listeners. Thankfully, they were always willing.

Thinking back to what I was exposed to, reading was a part of everyday life around my house. I often saw people reading the mail, newspaper, books, magazines, and even the TV Guide. The library was a regular destination for my family and personally I thought it was better than a trip to the amusement park. Spending hours reading about my favorite animals or getting some Little Golden Bookswas great fun for me. I have always thought of reading as an adventure because it transports me into the lives of the characters whether or not they are real. Who doesn’t love a free vacation?

I credit all of those experiences to my love of books today. I would still much rather go to the library than the amusement park. As I have grown, my tastes have changed but I’m always in the middle of a book of some kind.

Instilling this love of books in children is very important to me. I never turn down a child who wants to be read to and I always try to give books for gifts rather than toys that will be pushed to the side after a few minutes. I also get to share books with the families that I visit, as does each parent educator. We incorporate a book into every visit to promote literacy and its importance.

Every Monday and Friday, I will post a children’s book to recommend to our readers. I welcome your feedback on the choices and please feel free to tell me about your own favorites so that I can showcase those.

Welcome to the new Imprints blog!

Imprints is a non-profit agency located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that is committed to helping families with young children thrive. We help families nurture and prepare their children for success through individual and group parent education, collaborations, and referrals. Through our programs, we support parents in our community because we believe that family is critical to the success and well being of every child. Our programs and services are all based on the belief that parents are children’s first and best teachers. In fact, research shows that learning begins even before birth. Imprints can show you how to make the most of your child’s early learning experiences.

Here at Imprints, we love sharing parenting tips and information to the families that we serve. With this blog, we hope to share stories, ideas and information to the people that we don't get to reach everyday. We want to inform and inspire people and feel our readers will do the same for us. We welcome your comments and suggestions for future posts. Happy reading!

Finding a balance

In the wake of Natasha Richardson’s tragic death, I am transported back 3 months to my own son’s head injury. Ben in true boy fashion, used an ottoman as a balance beam and conked his head on our hardwood floors. My first response was to fuss at him for doing something he knew he wasn’t supposed to do. I was not immediately concerned that something so common could turn to the traumatic quickly. It soon became clear that his injury was more than a bump. We are fortunate to have a doctor nearby who was able to come to the house and assess his injury; a mild concussion.
I’m grateful that his injury was minor. I think about what I should have done to prevent the injury in the first place. I don’t think I can be described as an overly cautious mother. In fact, some would say I take too many risks with my children. I pick my safety battles in strange ways. I allow my boys (ages 7 and 9) to fly off ramps on their skateboards and bikes but still make them hold my hand in the grocery store parking lot. I have little concern for germs but freak out if they taste a soda. I struggle between the deep rooted parent instinct to keep my children safe from all harm and the desire to allow them the freedom to learn from their mistakes and establish their independence.
Where do we find the right balance? In this age of safety and litigation, when we’re bombarded with news tales of tragic deaths, Ebola-like germs and child predators, how to we protect our children while still fostering their growth?
Last month we took our boys snowboarding for the first time. After debating the use of helmets, we went helmet free. I wonder now about that decision. What will we do the next time we go snowboarding?